Senators Surge with Playoff Push

0:00It's March 23rd, you're listening to NHL News today, AI-powered coverage of your squad. The Ottawa Senators boosted their playoff chances with a convincing 5-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night. That victory in the Battle of Ontario moved them within three points of the final wildcard spot in the Eastern Conference. With 81 points and 13 gains remaining, they're right on the heels of teams like the Detroit Red Wings. The recent form has been strong, going seven wins, two losses, and one overtime loss in the last ten games. The schedule ahead is brutal, starting with the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Monday, then a key matchup in Detroit on Tuesday. They'll follow that with games against Pittsburgh on Thursday and Tampa Bay on Saturday, leaving no room for slip-ups. Fans and analysts see real momentum building, but the defense corps has faced challenges. Jake Sanderson, the team's top-minute eater at nearly 25 minutes per night, has been sidelined since early March with an upper body injury.

1:02Coach Travis Green says he's due back within seven to ten days, which could stabilize the blue line just in time. Adding to the injury woes, Dennis Gilbert left the Toronto game after a hard hit into the boards, possibly with a separated shoulder. He's expected to miss significant time, joining long-term absentee Nick Jensen on the shelf. The Senators will turn to Thomas Shabot, recent call-ups like Jordan Spence, and possibly more from Belville to Phil Gaps. Sweeping those early games could vault Ottawa into playoff position, and with Sanderson's return on the horizon, their push feels more realistic than ever.